Guidelines for Submitting Letters of Recommendation

1. Ask a teacher you have developed and built a relationship with either inside or outside the classroom, such as your teacher or your advisor.
2. Be sure to leave ample time for your referee to write, preferably 3–4 weeks.
3. Provide your referee with all relevant materials, including the following information:
   • A clear list of schools you are applying to, the deadline by which they must RECEIVE the letter (in chronological order), and the means of recommendation.
     
     Example:
     

     School	Date Letter is Due	Form
     Columbia University	Dec. 15	online form
     New York University	Jan. 1	mail paper form
     Rutgers University	Jan. 15	online form

   • Name of course(s) you took with the professor, the semester it was (how long has your prof. known you?), your grade in course, and remind him/her of any projects (such as term papers) you completed in the course.
   • Your c.v. or resume, including extra background info such as membership/leadership in campus clubs, any special awards and honors (Deans list, honors program, etc…)
   • Your unofficial transcript.
   • Info you are submitting to the school:
     • What program you are applying to
     • Your statement of purpose or essay to program, even if it is in rough draft form, so the recommender knows what your goals in grad school and life are!
   • Paper Forms:
     • Fill out info. ahead of time to save your professor time (such as PC’s address)
     • Provide stamped and addressed envelopes for mail in forms.